Emma is the new face of NHS heroism
HE has captured iconic images of rock stars and royalty.
The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Kate Moss and The Queen are among his most famous.
But now he has turned his lens to someone just as deserving of our admiration - critical care nurse, Emma Kelly from Manchester Royal Infirmary.
She is one of a dozen NHS staff who have served on the front line during the Covid-19 pandemic to be photographed by Rankin.
The portraits were unveiled today to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the NHS next month.
They will be shown on posters at bus stops, roadside billboards as well as pedestrian areas including the worldfamous Piccadilly Lights in Piccadilly
Circus in London. Emma, 26, and a nurse for four years, has seen her dedication and skill pushed to the limit during the pandemic.
She said: “About two weeks ago, I had the hardest day of my career so far. One of my patients deteriorated rapidly and a decision was made to switch to end of life care.
“The patient was a Covid-19 case which meant family visits were restricted. Sitting there holding her hand and relaying messages from her family is something that will stay with me forever.
“At one point, I had to run upstairs to compose myself.
“Five minutes later I knew I had to get back to the ward as I had another very sick patient whose relatives were only able to briefly visit. I sat with them, held their hand and kept telling them how much their family loved them.”
She was stunned when chosen for the photo shoot by Rankin.
“At first I thought it must be the wrong Emma as I feel like I’m just doing the job I was trained to do.
“While all of us who work in the NHS do the job because we want to care for and support out patients - it was lovely to be recognised in this way and to be able to share our stories with the world.”
“Nothing makes me prouder than working for the NHS and providing health care to everyone. Having lived abroad and seeing how other health care systems work, I know there is nothing in the world like this.”